When it comes to food storage and safety, every little hack can make a big difference. One claim that has been floating around is that storing romaine lettuce in water can help it last longer, even up to a month. To find out if this lettuce storage hack really works, we turned to the BHG Test Kitchen.

Romaine lettuce is a staple in many households, often used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps. However, its relatively short shelf - life can be a hassle for those who don't use it up quickly. The idea of being able to keep it fresh for an extended period is quite appealing. But does submerging it in water truly work?

The BHG Test Kitchen set up a series of experiments to test this claim. They started by purchasing several heads of fresh romaine lettuce from different grocery stores. The lettuce was then divided into two groups. One group was stored in the traditional way, in the refrigerator's crisper drawer in a plastic bag. The other group was placed in jars filled with water and also stored in the refrigerator.

Over the course of the next few weeks, the test kitchen staff monitored the condition of the lettuce in both groups. They looked for signs of wilting, browning, and spoilage. In the initial days, both groups of lettuce seemed to be in good condition. The lettuce stored in the traditional way maintained its crispness, and the one in water also looked fresh.

As the days went by, a difference started to emerge. The lettuce in the plastic bag in the crisper drawer began to show some signs of wilting around the edges. The leaves were not as perky as they were in the beginning. On the other hand, the lettuce stored in water remained surprisingly fresh. The leaves were still crisp, and there was very little browning.

By the end of the first week, the contrast was even more evident. The traditional - stored lettuce had become limp in many parts, and some of the outer leaves had to be discarded. In contrast, the water - stored lettuce was still in a usable state. The water seemed to be providing the necessary moisture to keep the lettuce hydrated and fresh.

As the experiment continued into the second week, the lettuce in the plastic bag was in a poor state. It had developed a lot of brown spots and was no longer suitable for consumption. Meanwhile, the water - stored lettuce, although it had lost a bit of its initial freshness, was still far better than the other group. It could still be used in salads, but the leaves were not as vibrant as they were at the start.

After three weeks, the water - stored lettuce was starting to show more significant signs of spoilage. The leaves were beginning to turn yellow and were getting softer. However, it was still remarkable that it had lasted this long. By the end of the month, both groups of lettuce were no longer fit to eat, but the water - stored lettuce had clearly outlasted the traditionally - stored one.

So, what makes storing romaine lettuce in water effective? Lettuce is made up mostly of water, and by submerging it in water, it can replenish the moisture it loses over time. This helps to maintain its cell structure, keeping the leaves crisp and fresh. Additionally, the water provides a stable environment that can slow down the process of oxidation, which is one of the main causes of browning and spoilage in lettuce.

If you want to try this storage hack at home, here's how you can do it. First, choose a clean jar or container that is tall enough to hold the entire head of romaine lettuce. Fill the container with fresh, cold water. Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves from the lettuce head. Place the lettuce in the container, making sure the base is submerged in the water. Then, cover the container with a plastic bag or a lid and store it in the refrigerator.

It's important to change the water every few days to prevent the growth of bacteria. This will ensure that the lettuce stays fresh for as long as possible. Also, keep in mind that while this method can significantly extend the shelf - life of romaine lettuce, it won't make it last forever. Eventually, the lettuce will still spoil, but you'll get to enjoy it for a much longer period compared to traditional storage methods.

In conclusion, the claim that storing romaine lettuce in water helps it last longer is indeed true. Thanks to the experiments conducted by the BHG Test Kitchen, we now have scientific evidence to support this popular food storage hack. So, the next time you buy a head of romaine lettuce, give this method a try and see the difference for yourself.